On completion of this course students should be able to make sound scientific judgments in the absence of complete data

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students will develop the cognitive skills of analysis and evaluation through four of the modules: Foundations for Research in Biosciences, Literature Review, Animal Behaviour and Welfare and the Research Project.

Methods of Assessment

Cognitive skills are assessed throughout the programme, including the submission of written course work in BBC8031.

On completion of this course students should be able to make sound scientific judgments in the absence of complete data.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Both BBC8042 and BBC8031 are classroom based, with lectures, directed reading and seminars. In comparison, the literature review and research project require the students to work independently, guided by a supervisor or tutor.

Methods of Assessment

Evaluation and analysis skills are emphasized in several continuous assessments and are specifically mentioned in the marking criteria for the project and literature review.

On completion of this course students should be able to make sound scientific judgments in the absence of complete data.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Skills in judgement of evidence and synthesis are practiced and demonstrated through group learning activities and problem-based exercises.

Methods of Assessment

Evaluation and analysis skills are emphasized in several continuous assessments and are specifically mentioned in the marking criteria for the project and literature review.

Demonstrate the following skills to NQF M-level. These skills can be subdivided as:
a) Application of number skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Most elements of the course require interacting sets of skills to reach the learning outcomes. With reference to the key skills standards the practice and assessment of skills can be summarised as follows:
a) Application of number skills
Students develop numerical skills through discussions of the evidence underlying different pieces of scientific research (in lectures and seminars) and through practice in statistics workshops and the research project.

Methods of Assessment

N/A

Demonstrate the following skills to NQF M-level:
b) Communication

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students practise and develop communication skills throughout the course. Skills development is facilitated through feedback. Students prepare work for different audiences, including role-playing in groups during coursework for BBC8031. Communication skills include the preparation of slides for scientific talks and posters.

Methods of Assessment

N/A

Demonstrate the following skills to NQF M-level:
c) Information technology

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning is generally supported through IT based resources. Students therefore develop skills in internet searching for literature and other web-based material. Email is used to communicate with the students and use of this resource is covered (along with online databases and use of library catalogues) in BBC8042. Students produce coursework assessments using different packages (word-processing, graphics).

Methods of Assessment

Assessment is carried out in formative and summative contexts.

Demonstrate the following skills to NQF M-level:
d) Improving own learning and performance

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning through feedback given formally and informally. Research projects and literature reviews are chosen following discussion and reflection on personal goals and motivation for different types of research. Personal goals and effectiveness are discussed as part of the teaching in Foundations for Research in Biosciences and Professional Development.

Methods of Assessment

Students are expected to assess their own performance using evidence from course work and interactions with peers and teaching staff.

Demonstrate the following skills to NQF M-level:
e) Problem solving

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Problem solving is practiced in course work assignments and in the research project. Intellectual and practical flexibility, along with creativity, are necessary for much scientific research. Addressing the issues in animal behaviour and welfare generally involves a problem-based approach (e.g., how can useful data be collected, how can resource use issues be reconciled?). Students are directed to generic sources of assistance and guidance within the University.

Methods of Assessment

Assessments in the subject specific module include elements of problem solving.

Demonstrate the following skills to NQF M-level:
f) Working with others

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Working in different modes, on individual research and in collaborative groups is discussed with students at various points in the programme. Different elements of course work contain group-based activities.

Methods of Assessment

Feedback and assessment on group performance is given by teaching staff.

On completion of this course students should be able to deal with complex animal behaviour and welfare issues systematically and creatively.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In-depth knowledge of a specific area is developed through supervised research in the Literature Review (BBC8025) and Project Modules (BBC8001).

Methods of Assessment

BBC8031 is taught through lectures and seminars, supported by directed reading of textbooks and journal articles.

Students will be able to demonstrate subject-specific knowledge in the appropriate use of scientific evidence and the science underlying animal behaviour and welfare.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The underlying skills for research are emphasized in Foundations for Research in Biosciences (BBC8042) and Key Skills in Animal Behaviour (BBC8052).

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of subject specific skills is carried out by continuous assessment of written work and in the two exams associated with BBC8031.

They should be competent in experimental design, behavioural data collection and analysis and thus to be able to conduct independent research.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

These lectures are supplemented by learning in the other modules of the programme.

Methods of Assessment

N/A

They will be familiar with concepts in behavioural development, motivational theory, sensory, neuronal and hormonal systems, evolution of behaviour and animal communication.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students practise bibliographic search skills through a comparison of different online databases.

Methods of Assessment

N/A

They will appreciate problems of welfare in zoo and farm animals and those of their natural environment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The underlying subject specific science taught in the specialist module in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (BBC8031) is augmented by in-depth knowledge of a specific area developed in the Literature Review (BBC8025) and Project Modules (BBC8001).

Methods of Assessment

N/A

In addition students will be able to discuss how behaviour is important in conservation and appreciate cognitive abilities of animals.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

BBC8031 is taught through lectures and seminars, supported by directed reading of textbooks and journal articles.

Methods of Assessment

N/A

They will have the ability to handle animals and have knowledge of legal requirements for experimentation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Database skills are taught with individual students completing a structured online literature search.

Methods of Assessment

N/A